1994 Buick Century: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 1994 Buick Century: 6 recalls, 106 owner complaints and up to 24 mpg combined.
Recalls
6 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Speed control / throttle Vehicle recall #93V162000 · 1993 · 579 vehicles
What's wrong: The cruise control cable May separate from the conduit end fitting while engaged and accelerator control could be lost.
Why it matters: Loss of accelerator control May not reduce engine speedto a level anticipated by the driver. Although the vehicle can still be stoppedwith the service brake, loss of accelerator control could result in a vehiclecrash without prior warning.
The fix: Replace the cruise control cable.
Speed control / throttle Vehicle recall #94V021000 · 1994 · 10,646 vehicles
What's wrong: During assembly, water May have entered the accelerator control cable conduit causing it to develop a high effort and/or binding condition in very cold weather.
Why it matters: High effort or binding conditions cause loss of normalthrottle control or the throttle May not return to idle when the accelerator pedal is released. If this were to occur while the vehicle is in motion, a vehicle crash could occur.
The fix: The dealer will purge the throttle cable of any internally trapped water, if it is present.
Speed control / throttle Vehicle recall #94V008000 · 1994 · 49,047 vehicles
What's wrong: In the event of a primary accelerator control spring failure, the secondary (back-up) accelerator control return spring will not return the throttle to the fully closed position, as required by fmvss no. 124, "accelerator control system."
Why it matters: Consequence of non-compliance: loss of throttle control could result in a vehicle crash without prior warning.
The fix: Dealers will replace the secondary throttle return spring.
Latches & locks Vehicle recall #94V159000 · 1994 · 139,542 vehicles
What's wrong: Water intrusion can cause a short circuit in the power door lock assembly.
Why it matters: A short circuit in the power door lock assembly can result in a vehicle fire.
The fix: Dealers will replace the power door lock relay and any corroded terminals. In addition, the new relay will be relocated to an area where water intrusion is less likely.
Steering Vehicle recall #94V189000 · 1994 · 206 vehicles
What's wrong: The right hand spindle nut was not properly tightened during assembly. This can cause premature wheel bearing failure and over time, the spindle can fracture.
Why it matters: This would cause the wheel to separate from the axle and result in a vehicle crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect the torque on the right hand front spindle nut. If the spindle nut is undertorqued the dealer will replace the right hand front wheel bearing assembly and the spindle nut will be replaced.
Seat belts Vehicle recall #95V173000 · 1995 · 2,216,325 vehicles
What's wrong: These vehicles were assembled with rear outboard safety belt anchorages that May not withstand the required load. This does not comply with fmvss no.210, "seat belt assembly anchorages."
Why it matters: Consequence of non-compliance: in a collison, stress can cause the attachment metal to tear and allow the anchorage to separate from the body of the vehicle. The safety belt May not protect an occupant in the event of a vehicle crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the existing anchor bolts with a new shoulder bolt and thread locking adhesive. Additionally, noise control patches will be applied at each anchorage.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 4 mention a fire, 21 injuries and 1 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Brakes (hydraulic) (20): the most common themes are warning light on (2), noise or vibration (2).
- Airbags (14): the most common themes are fails to deploy (10).
- Engine & cooling (14): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (2), noise or vibration (2).
- Speed control / throttle (13): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
The 1994 Buick Century has 106 owner complaints, ranking #7 of 16 Century model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 106). Complaints peaked in 1999 (27 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 2 years old, at a median of 88,500 miles. Neighboring years: 1993 (54 complaints, 2 recalls), 1995 (99 complaints, 1 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.2 L 4-cyl | Automatic 3-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 22 | 28 | 24 | Regular |
| 3.1 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 17 | 26 | 20 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 1994 Buick Century.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
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FAQ
Does the 1994 Buick Century have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 6 vehicle recalls for the 1994 Buick Century. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 1994 Buick Century problems?
Owners have filed 106 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are brakes (hydraulic) (20), airbags (14), engine & cooling (14).
What gas mileage does the 1994 Buick Century get?
EPA ratings run up to 24 mpg combined (2.2 L, Automatic 3-spd), across 2 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 1994 Buick Century repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.